The warrior empress and mother
Empress Jingū 息長帯姫命 / 神功皇后
Also known as: Okinagatarashi-hime
Element: Earth (土)
The myth
Empress Jingū is a legendary empress, consort of Emperor Chūai. Tradition says she led an expedition across the sea while pregnant and delayed the birth until she came home.
Her son became Emperor Ōjin, later worshipped as Hachiman, so she is enshrined beside him at many Hachiman shrines, as well as at Sumiyoshi Taisha.
What people pray to Empress Jingū for
- Children and safe childbirth
- Work and career
- Victory in competition
Why: Because she carried her child through the expedition and gave birth safely, she is prayed to for safe childbirth and raising children.
Where to meet Empress Jingū
The element shown is the one used by Kamimap's fun guardian-kami quiz, based on traditional five-element associations. It is not a religious teaching.